MLS, FOX extend national broadcast rights agreement

NEW YORK – Major League Soccer and FOX Soccer announced on Friday that they have extended the network’s national broadcast rights agreement for one year.

The premier soccer-only channel in North America will broadcast up to 31 regular-season games, plus three exclusive MLS Cup Playoff matches including a Conference Final – all in high definition. The package includes 15 matches on Saturday nights and 14 on Friday nights; 20 of those 31 broadcast windows are exclusive to FOX Soccer.

“FOX Soccer has been a tremendous partner for MLS for many years and we are very happy that we have been able to extend the relationship,” said MLS President Mark Abbott. “Through both its news coverage and its extensive schedule of MLS games, Fox Soccer allows MLS fans across the country to follow their club as well as their rivals.”

FOX Soccer schedule this season begins with the MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids hosting the Portland Timbers in the expansion club’s inaugural MLS match as part of First Kick presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods. Other highlights of the FOX Soccer lineup include five games between regional rivals, a clash of the two winningest teams in MLS history (LA Galaxy vs. D.C. United, June 3), and late season conference matchups that are bound to have playoff implications and high tension.

“We’re extremely pleased to be home to MLS – the gold standard for soccer in the US - for our ninth straight season,” said FOX Soccer Executive Vice President and General Manager David Nathanson. “FOX Soccer is committed to providing soccer fans in America the best coverage possible, and this extension helps us keep that commitment.”